September 11

Mungo Park was born in Selkirkshire, Scotland, in 1771 and studied medicine at the University of Edinburgh. In 1795, he was commissioned by the African Association to explore the course of the Niger River, leading to his celebrated work 'Travels in the Interior of Africa' (1799). Park’s vivid descriptions of West African geography, cultures, and trade routes captivated European audiences. He embarked on a second expedition in 1805, aiming to reach Timbuktu, but tragically vanished and is believed to have drowned in 1806. His pioneering journeys provided the first reliable European accounts of the Niger’s upper reaches. Park’s legacy endures in the history of exploration and the cartography of Africa.

Fitz Hugh Ludlow was born in 1836 in Connecticut and gained fame with his candid memoir The Hasheesh Eater, one of the first American accounts of opium use. As a journalist, he contributed to leading periodicals and wrote essays on literature, science, and society. Ludlow's adventurous spirit led him to explore the American Southwest and Mexico, documenting indigenous cultures and landscapes in travelogues. He also studied psychoactive substances, advocating for public understanding of their effects. Despite his struggles with addiction and health issues, Ludlow's vivid prose and fearless inquiry left a lasting mark on American literature until his death in 1870.

Scipione Borghese, 10th Prince of Sulmona, was a member of Italy's historic aristocracy who embraced both public duties and daring pursuits. As an Italian senator, he engaged in political affairs during a period of national change. Borghese also competed in early automobile races, showcasing his passion for speed and innovation. His mountaineering expeditions in the Alps reflected a love of exploration and a drive to push personal limits. Beyond his adventurous lifestyle, he supported social causes in his native region and patronized cultural initiatives. His multifaceted career exemplified the blend of tradition and modernity in early 20th-century Italy.